Key cases



B. BORiSOF KEY CASES May 9,, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 4, 1965 INvE/vrpk Bernard B01257 y 1967 B. BORISOF 3,318,354

KEY CASES Filed Aug. 1, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG 4 28% 7 fici INVENTOQEl? 11'). 3 Bernard Bar-1'57 FIG 7 Gizfys Q 422 4 MY/640% United StatesPatent 3,318,354 KEY CASES Bernard Borisof, Chicago, IlL, assignor toLectro-Stik Company, Chicago, Ill., 21 co-partnership Filed Aug. 4,1965, Ser. No. 477,149 18 Claims. (Cl. 150-40) This invention relates tonew and improved key cases or pouches for holding one or more keys orthe like.

One object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved keycase of the general type comprising a folder or pouch having a pluralityof key retaining loops or rings connected thereto and adapted to beswung into and out of the folder.

A further object is to provide a new and improved key case of theforegoing character in which the key retaining loops are formedintegrally with the folder.

Thus, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a newand improved key case which may be molded or otherwise formed in onepiece from various flexible plastic materials, or other suitablematerials.

Another object is to provide a new and improved key case having aplurality of relatively foldable panels and one or more key retainingstrips connected integrally to one or more of the panels, each stripbeing formed with fastener elements whereby the strip may be held in theform of a key retaining loop.

A further object is to provide a new and improved fastener constructionin which one element is formed with a neck portion having an enlargedhead portion, and in which the other element of the fastener is formedwith a generally T-shaped slot having a wide end portion to receive theenlarged head, together with means to prevent inadvertent unlocking.

It is a further object to provide a new and improved key case which maybe manufactured at very low cost by a molding or stamping operation fromvarious tough and flexible plastic materials.

Another object of the invention is to provide :a new and improved keycase which is molded in one piece from flexible plastic material and isin the form of a tray with a cover which is swingable against the trayand is connected thereto by means of an integral plastic hinge.

A further object is to provide a new and improved key case of theforegoing character in which one or more loop forming strips may behinged integrally to the tray, and in which one or more loop formingstrips may also be hinged integrally to the cover.

It is a further object to provide such a key case in which the cover mayalso be in the form of' a tray, the two trays being swingable togetherwith their hollow sides facing each other so as to afford a compartmentbetween the trays for holding the keys which are mounted on the loopforming strips.

A further object is to provide a new and improved key case of theforegoing character, in which the integral hinge is bent when the traysare opened apart and the hinge is straight when the trays are closed inorder to pull them tightly together.

A further object is to provide a key case of the foregoing character inwhich the hinges are recessed so they do not protrude beyond the outlineof the case when closed, and thus provide a smoother outline which willnot tear the pocket or purse of the user.

A further object is to provide a new and improved key case in which eachof the loop forming strips may be connected to the key case by means ofa pair of flexible integral hinges to provide double security againstthe loss of each key.

A further object is to provide a new and improved key case of theforegoing characterin which at least one of the loop forming strips isformed for easy opening and closing of the loop so that thecorresponding key may be removed and replaced very quickly and easily.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedkey case of the foregoing character having an improved releasable latchto hold the cover in closed position against the tray.

A further object is to provide a new and improved key case of theforegoing character in which the trays are recessed adjacent the loopforming strips so that one or more of the strips may extend outside thekey case through the recessed portions when the key case is closed.

Another object is to provide a new and improved key case of theforegoing character in which at least one of the trays may be formedwith an integral panel or flap which may be folded into the tray to forma pocket adapted to serve as a coin holder.

A further object is to provide such a key case having an improvedlatching arrangement for holding the panel or flap against the tray sothat the coin holder may readily be opened and closed.

Another object is to provide an unusually compact key case in which onetray has a panel with flexible convolutions to permit the case to expandto accommodate more keys when required.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will appear fromthe following description, taken with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a key case to be described as anillustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary elevational view showing the extended positionof one of the loop forming strips for the key case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing a modified construction.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a modified key case to be describedas another illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section through the key case of FIG. 4, thecase being shown in its closed position.

FIG. 6 is a transverse section through the key case, taken generallyalong the line 66 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation, taken generally as indicated bythe line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary transverse section taken generally along theline 88 in FIG. 7.

It will be seen that FIG. 1 illustrates a case or pouch 10 for holding aplurality of keys 12. It will be realized that the key case 10 may alsobe used for holding other devices, such as small tools or the like.

The illustrated key case 10 of FIG. 1 comprises a onepiece folder orpouch 14 for enclosing the keys 12. The folder 14 is formed with aplurality of relatively foldable panels. A central panel 16 and two sidepanels 18 and 20 are employed in the illustrated construction, but adifferent number of panels could be employed in various situations. Theside panels 18 and 20 are integrally connected to the opposite sideedges 22 and 24 of the central panel 16. As shown, hinge portions 26 and28 of reduced thickness are provided between the central panel 16 andthe side panels 18 and 20.

The folder 14 is preferably made of various tough flexible plasticmaterials which will withstand repeated flexure. For example, the folder14 may be made of various polyethylenes, particularly those of the longchain type; polypropylene; or high impact polystyrene. Other suitableplastics having a high degree of flexibility and toughness may also beemployed. The folder 14 may be formed in one piece by a moldingoperation, or may be stamped in one piece from thin flexible sheetmaterial.

It will be understood that the side panels 18 and are foldable in frontof the central panel 16 to enclose the keys Within the key case. Theside panel 20 overlaps the side panel 18 in its closed position.Suitable fastener elements are preferably employed to retain the sidepanels 18 and 20 in their closed positions. In this case, the side panel20 is formed with an integral fastener element in the form of a tab ortongue projecting from the outer side edge 32 thereof. The other sidepanel 18 is formed with a fastener receiving slot or opening 34. It willbe understood thatthe slot 34 is adapted to receive the tongue 30 so asto hold the side panels 18 and 20 in their folded positions.

To retain the keys 12, the key case 10 is provided with one or more loopforming strips 36 which are integrally connected to one edge of one ofthe panels. The illustrated vkey case 10 has two such strips, formedintegrally with the upperedge of the central panel 16. The strips 36 arefoldable against and away from the central panel 16. In FIG. 1, one ofthe strips 36 is shown in its position of storage, folded against thecentral panel 16, so that the key retained on such strip will beenclosed within the folder 14. The other strip 36 is shown swung awayfrom the central panel 16 in its position of use, in which the keyretained thereon is outside the folder. It will be understood that anysuitable number of key retaining strips may be provided on the key case10.

At least one flexible hinge portion is provided between each of thestrips 36 and the panel 16. In the construction of FIG. 1, each of theloop forming strips 36 is con nected to the panel 16 by means of a pairof flexible hinge portions 38 of reduced thickness. The hinge portions38 are made relatively thin to facilitate the folding of the keyretaining strips 36 into and out of the folder 14. A slot or opening 40is formed between the two hinge portions 38. The provision of two spacedhinge portions provides double security against the loss of a key. Ifone of the hinge portions becomes broken, the other hinge portion willstill retain the strip and the key. The broken hinge will be a warningto the owner that'the key case should be replaced. If desired, a singlehinge portion 38 maybe employed, as shown in FIG. 3.

Each of the illustrated strips 36 is formed with an intermediate or neckportion 42 of reduced width. It will be evident from FIG. 1 that theintermediate portion 42 is adapted to be formed into a loop 44 to retainthe corresponding key 12.

At its outer end, each of the illustrated strips 36 is formed with anenlarged head 46, connected integrally to the neck or intermediateportion 42. The head 46 is preferably formed with square shoulders 48adjacent the neck 42. The illustrated head 46 has an outer edge ormargin 50 which is tapered or rounded.

Each of the illustrated strips 36 has an inner fastener portion 52adjacent the hinge portion 38. The fastener portion 52 is of greaterwidth than the neck portion 42. A fastener slot or opening 54 is formedin the portion 52 for receiving the neck 42 and the head 46. It-will beseen that the illustrated slot 54 is T-s-haped. Thus, the slot 54 has alongitudinal portion 56 and a transverse outer end portion 58. Thelongitudinal portion 56has a length corresponding generally to the widthof the head 46. The width of the longitudinal portion 56 correspondsgenerally to the thickness of the head 46. The transverse portion 58 ofthe slot 54 has a width corresponding gener-ally to the width of theneck portion 42.

In actual use, each of the keys 12 is mounted on the corresponding strip36 by inserting the strip 36 through the usual hole 60 in the key. Thestrip is then formed into a closed loop by twisting the strip through 90degrees so that the head 46 may be inserted through the longitudinalportion 56 of the slot 54. The neck portion 42 is then forced into thetransverse portion 58 of the slot 54. This requires flexure or momentarydistortion of the neck 42 and the portions of the strip around the slot54. In

forcing the neck portion 42 into the transverse slot portion 58, thestrip is untwiste'd so that the head 46 will lie flat against the innerportion 52, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

When any particular key is to be used, the corresponding strip 36 isswung out of the folder 14. For storage of the keys, the strips 36 areswung against the central panel 16 of the folder 14. The folder 14 maythen be closed by swinging the side panels 18 and 20 over the frontpanel 16 and inserting the tongue 30 through the slot 34.

FIG. 3 illustrates the construction of a modified loop forming strip 136having an inner fastener portion 152 which is formed with a fastenerslot 154 of modified shape. The slot 154 is generally T-shaped but isformed with two transverse end portions 162 and 164 at the opposite endsof the slot 154. The transverse end portion 162 is at the inner end ofthe slot 154 and is of a width corresponding to the width of the head50. The other transverse end portion 164 is at the opposite end of theslot 154 and is of a width corresponding to the width of the neck 42.The slot 154 has a relatively narrow intermediate portion 166 whichextends between the end portions 162 and 164. The intermediate portion166 is of a width substantially less than the width of the neck 42.

With the construction illustrated in FIG. 3, the strip 136 may be formedinto a closed loop without the necessity of twisting the strip. The head50 is inserted through the wider end portion 162. The neck 42 is thenforced through the narrow intermediate portion 166 and into the endportion 164. This operation requires fleXure of the neck 42 and theportions of the inner fastener element 152 around the slot 154. In thefinal position of the strip 136, the neck 42 extends through thenarrower end portion 164 of the slot 154.- The loop may be opened byforcing the neck 42 through the constricted intermediate portion 166 andinto the wide end portion 162, from which the head 50 may readily beremoved.

The key case of FIG. 1 may be manufactured at extremely low cost becauseit may be molded in one piece from inexpensive plastic materials, suchas polyethylenes, polypropylene, or flexible high impact strengthpolystyrene. Many suitable plastic materials are available which willwithstand many thousands or even millions of flexures, so that the keycase will have an extremely high order of durability, far exceeding thedurability of the usual key cases with metal fasteners. With minorchanges in construction, the key case of FIG. 1 may also be stamped inone piece from plastic sheet materials.

FIGS. 4-8 illustrate a modified key case 210 which embodies manyadditional improvements and advantages. The modified key case 210 isalso in the form of a folder in that it comprises a main or body tray212 and a swingable cover 214 which is formed integrally therewith andis adapted to close the hollow side of the tray 212. The cover 214 mayalso be in the form of a tray. When the key case 210 is closed, thehollow sides of the two trays 212 and 214 are adjacent each other toprovide space within the case for holding the keys. The tray 212comprises a wall or panel 216 and a border flange 218 which extendsaround the edge of the panel 216. Similarly the tray 214 comprises awall or panel 220 and a border flange 222. When the case 210 is closed,the border flanges 218 and 222 are adjacent each other, as shown in FIG.5.

The panel 220 of the cover tray 214 may have a central portion 224 whichis connected to the remainder of the panel by a flexible convoluted orcorrugated section 226, adapted to act in the manner of a bellows toprovide for expansion of the key case by outward movement of the centralportion 224. This expanding feature provides capacity fora large numberof keys; and also provides an unusually compact case when only a fewkeys are carried.

The trays 212 and 214 are connected together by means of a thin hingeportion 228 which is formed integrally therewith. The hinge portion 228is in the form of a flexible strip of flap extending between theadjacent edges of the trays 212 and 214. The border flanges 218 and 222are formed with recesses 230 and 232 adjacent the hinge portion 228, asclearly shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. In this way, the hinge 228 may be formedto be flat when the case is closed and thus, by acting in a straightline, the hinge draws the two trays 212 and 214 tightly together.

The key case 210 is preferably provided with a latching arrangement forholding the trays 212 and 214 together in the closed position of thecase. As shown to advantage in FIGS. 4 and 6, the cover tray 214 isformed with a latch or tongue 234 which projects from the border flange222 at the side of the tray opposite from the hinge portion 228. Anopening or slot 236 is formed in the body of the tray 212 for receivingthe latch 234. The slot 236 extends through the panel 216 and alsothrough a portion of the border flange 218. An offset latching bar 238extends across the slot 236 and is formed integrally with the borderflange 218. It will be seen that the latching bar 238 has a tapered orsloping side surface 240 which acts as a ramp to facilitate the entry ofthe latch 234 into the slot 236. A sloping or tapered ramp surface 242is also formed on the latch 234. It will be seen that the latch 234 isformed with a notch 244 which defines a shoulder 246 adapted to moveunder the latching bar 238. Thus, the shoulder 246 will be retained bythe latching bar 238 when the latch 234 has moved into the slot 236. Thelatch 234 may be disengaged by pressing on the ramp surface 242 so as toflex the latch sufiiciently to allow the shoulder 246 to escape from thelatching bar 238.

The key case 210 of FIG. 4 may be formed with one or more strips whichare similar to the strips of the key case shown in FIG. 1, in that thestrips may be formed into key retaining loops. In the construction ofFIG. 4, one or more of the loop forming strips may be formed on eitheror both of the trays 212 and 214. The specific construction shown inFIG. 4 is provided with such strips 248 onboth trays 212 and 214.Arranging the loop forming strips on both trays is advantageous becausethe keys are not crowded, thus permitting easy selection, and yet thekey case is compact.

Each strip 248 is made flexible so that it may readily be formed into aloop. A disengageable fastener construction, to be described in detailshortly, is employed so that each strip may be closed to retain a key.Each loop forming strip 248 is connected to the corresponding tray 212or 214 byone or more flexible hinges 258 which are formed integrallytherewith. As shown in the case of FIG. 1, the specific construction ofFIG. 4 employs a pair of spaced flexible hinges 250 for each strip 248to afford double security against the loss of a key. A slot or opening252 is formed between the two hinge portions 250 of each strip. If onehinge portion 250 becomes broken, the owner of the key case will bewarned that he is in danger of the loss of a key, so that the key casemay be replaced in due time. The hinge portions 250 are preferably ofreduced thickness to afford increased flexibility.

Adjacent the hinge portions 250, the border flanges 218 and 222 of thetrays 212 and 214 are formed with recesses 254 and 256 which areadjacent each other when the key case is closed. The recesses 254 and256 provide an opening or slot through which the key retaining strips248 may extend so that they may be positioned either inside or outsidethe key case. Thus, the key which is in actual use may be positionedoutside the key case, while the other keys and their supporting loopsare received within the key case.

The fastening elements on the loop forming strips 248 are similar tothose disclosed in connection with FIG. 1. Thus, the sides of each strip248 are formed with notches 260 to provide an enlarged head 262 havingshoulders 264. Each strip 248 has a neck portion 266 adapted to befolded into a loop. Adjacent the hinge portions 250, each strip 248 hasa body portion 268 formed with a fastener slot 270. Preferably, thefastener slot 270 is T-shaped and thus comprises a longitudinal portion272 and a transverse outer end portion 274.

The key case of FIG. 4 has three of the loop forming strips 248, plus afourth strip 278 of modified construction. The modified strip 278 hashinge portions 250 with a slot 252 therebetween, the same as the strip248. The sides of the modified strip 278 are formed with notches 280 toprovide an enlarged head 282 with shoulders 284. However, the head 282is substantially longer than the heads 262 of the strips 248. Themodified strip 278 has a flexible neck portion 286 adapted to be formedinto a loop. The head 282 and the adjacent portion 288 of the neck 286are thickened relative to the remainder of the neck 286. v

The modified strip 278 has a body portion 290 formed with a fastenerslot 292 which is triangular in shape, rather than being T-shaped. Itwill be seen that the triangular slot 292 has two longer sides 294 and ashorter isde 296. The longer sides 294 extend generally along the lengthof the strip 278, while the shorter side 296 extends transversely. Thelength of the longer sides 294 corresponds generally to the width of theenlarged head 282, while the length of the shorter side 296 correspondsgenerally to the width of the thickened neck portion 288 adjacent theshoulders 284.

Because of the triangular fastener slot 292 and the elongated, thickenedhead 282, the loop 278 is particularly easy to open and close. The strip286 is formed into a loop by twisting the head 282 through approximatelydegrees, inserting the head through the triangular slot, and releasingthe head so that it becomes untwisted, whereupon the head is retained inthe triangular slot.- The loop may be opened by twisting the head 282and pushing it out of the triangular slot 292. This easy unlockingfacility is advantageous for keys 'which must be removed frequently.

As an added feature, the key case 210 has a pouch or pocket 300 forholding one or more conis 302. The coin pouch 300 is formed by a panelor flap 304 which is formed integrally with one of the trays, in thiscase the tray 212. The flap 304 is connected to one end of the tray 212by means of a thin hinge portion 306 which is flexible so that the flap304 may readily be folded against the inside of the tray 212.

An integral bar or rib 308 is provided along the free edge of the flap304 to reinforce and stiffen the edge of the flap, while also retainingthe coins 302 in the Space between the flap 384 and the panel 216 of thetray 212. One or more slots or openings 310 may be formed in the flap304 so that the coins in the pouch 300 will be visible without openingthe pouch.

A latching arrangement is preferably provided for releasably holding theflap 304 in its closed position against the tray 212. In the illustratedconstruction, the ends of the rib or bar 308 are formed into latchprojections 312 adapted to be received in latching slots or openings 314which are formed in side portions of the tray 212. I Each latchprojection 312 has a tapered or inclined ramp surface 316 to facilitatethe entry of the latch projection into the corresponding slot 314. Uponentering the slot 314, the projection 312 snaps under a shoulder or bar318. The flap 384 can be flexed sufficiently to disengage the latchprojections 312 from the slots 314. Thus, the coin pouch 300 may beopened simply by pulling the flap 304 away from the tray 212 withsuflicient force to flex the rib 308.

The border flanges 218 and 222 are formed with recesses 231 and 233adjacent the hinge 228 and with recesses 253 and 255 adjacent hinges250. In this way, the hinges do not protrude beyond the outline of thecase when closed; thus providing a smooth key case which will not tendto tear the pocket or purse of the user.

It may be helpful to summarize the operation and use of the key case 210of FIGS. 4-7. One or more keys may be mounted on each of the loopforming strips 248.

head in the opposite direction so as to force the neck' portion 266 intothe transverse portion 274 of the T-slot.

The shoulders 264 prevent disengagement of the head 262 from the slot270.

A key may be mounted on the modified strip 278 in a similar manner, byslipping a key on to the strip, forming the strip into a loop, twistingthe head 282 through about 90 degrees, inserting the head 282 into thetriangular slot 292, and=allowing the head to untwist so that theshoulders'284 will retain the head in the triangular slot.

All of the key retaining strips 284 and 278and the keys mounted thereonmay be positioned within the case 210 by folding the strips against thetrays 212 .and 214 and swinging the trays together so as to close thecase. In the closed position, the latch 234 snaps behind the latchingbar 238 so as to hold the trays 212 and 214 to gether. The key case maybe opened by pressing on the ramp surface 242 of the latch 234 so as torelease the latch from the latching bar 238.-

One or more of the keys may be moved outside the key case by swingingthe corresponding strip 248 away from the corresponding tray, whereuponthe case may be closed so. as to retain the other strips and thekeysmounted thereon. The recesses 254 and 256 adjacent the flexiblehinges 250 afford room for the key strips 248 and 278 whether theyextend inside or outside the key case.

The convoluted portion 226 of the tray 214 provides-for expansion of thekey case by outward movement of the central wall portion 224, so thatroom will be provided for a relatively thick bundle of keys. On theother hand, the key case retains its minimum thickness if a smallerbundle of keys is used.

Coins may be inserted into the coin punch 300 by slipping the coinsbetween the rib 308 and the panel 216 under the flap 304. The rib 308and the panel 216 may be sprung sufliciently to provide for theinsertion'of coins. The coin pouch 300 may be opened by springing orflexing the rib 308 to a greater extent until the latching projections312 are released from the latching slots 314.

The entire key case 210 may readily be molded in one piece from variousflexible plastic materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, andflexible high impact strength polystyrene. Thus, the key case may bemanufactured at extremely low cost. The flexible hinges employed in thekey case are extremely durable, so that the key case will give longservice, often exceeding the serviceable life of key cases using metalfittings. The key case retains the keys against loss, yet in such amanner that the keys may readily be removed from the retaining loops.

Various other modifications, alternative constructions and equivalentsmay be employed without departing from the true spirit and scope of theinvention, as exemplified in the foregoing description and defined inthe following claims.

I claim: 1. A key pouch, comprising a folder made of fllexible sheetmaterial, said, folder having a central panel and two side panels formedintegrally with said central panel and connected to opposite side edgesthereof, said side, panels being foldable over said central panel inoverlapping relation, and a plurality of key retaining loops formedintegrally with said central panel and connected to the upper edgethereof.

each of said loops having a hinge portion of reduced thickness connectedintegrally to said central panel, said hinge portion being readilyflexible whereby said loop is readily swingable against and away fromsaid central panel,

each loop comprising a strip having an inner portion adjacent said hingeportion and an outer end portion at the end of said strip remote fromsaid hinge portion,

and a pair of cooperative fastening elements on said inner and outer endportions of said loop for disengageably connecting said outer portion tosaid inner portion for retaining a key or the like on said loop.

2. A key case,

comprising a folder made of flexible sheet material,

said folder having a central panel and two side panels connectedintegrally to opposite side edges of said central panel,

said folder having a pair of hinge portions of reduced thicknessconnected between said central panel and said side panels whereby saidside panels are readily foldable over said central panel,

one of said side panels being formed with a fastener opening,

the other of said side panels being formed with a fastener tongue forinsertion into said fastener openand a plurality of key retaining stripsformed integrally with the top edge of said central panel,

each of said strips having a hinge portion of reduced thicknessconnected integrally between said strip and said central panel wherebysaid strip is readily foldable against and away from said central panel,

each of said strips having an inner portion adjacent said hinge portionof said strip and formed with a fastener slot,

each of said strips having a foldable intermediate portion and a tipportion of enlarged width relative to said intermediate portion,

said tip portion being insertable through said fastener slot to retainsaid intermediate portion in a folded position to form a key retainingloop.

3. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folder made of flexible sheet material andcomprising a plurality of relatively foldable panels,

and at least one key retaining strip formed integrally with one edge ofone of said panels and foldable against and away from such panel,

each strip having an inner fastener element and an outer fastenerelement for disengageably mating with said inner fastener element tohold said strip in the form of a key retaining loop.

4. A fastening device,

comprising first and second flexible strip elements made of sheetmaterial,

said first strip element having one end formed into a neck portion withan enlarged head connected integrally thereto,

said second strip element having a generally T-shaped fastener slotformed therein for interlocking with said head of said first strip,

said slot having a first end portion of a Width corresponding to thewidth of said head for initially receiving said head,

said slot having a second end portion at the opposite end thereof and ofa width corresponding to the width of said neck portion for receivingsaid neck portion in the interlocked positions of said strip elements,

said slot having an intermediate portion extending between said endportions and of a reduced width substantially less than the Width ofsaid neck portion whereby substantial flexure of said strip elements isrequired to move said neck portion between said end portions of saidslot.

5. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folder having a plurality of relativelyfoldable panels made of flexible sheet material,

and at least one loop forming strip connected integrally to one edge ofone of said panels for holding a key or the like,

said strip being foldable against and away from said panel,

said strip having its outer end formed with a neck portion having anenlarged head connected integrally thereto,

said strip having an inner portion formed with a generally T-shapedfastener slot for interlocking with said head and said neck portion,

said slot having a first end portion of a width corresponding to thewidth of said head,

said slot having a second end portion at the opposite end thereof and ofa width corresponding to the width of said neck portion,

said slot having a reduced intermediate portion extending between saidend portions and of a width substantially less than the width of saidneck portion whereby fl'exure of said strips is required to move saidneck portion between said end portions of said slot,

said neck portion being receivable in said second end portion of saidslot to hold said strip in the form of a loop.

6. A fastening device,

comprising first and second flexible strip elements,

said first strip element having a neck portion with an enlarged headconnected integrally thereto,

said second strip element having a generally T-shaped fastener slotformed therein for interlocking with said neck portion and head,

said slot having a first end portion of a width corresponding to thewidth of said head for initially receiving said head,

said slot having a second end portion at the opposite end thereof and:of a width coresponding to the width of said neck portion,

said slot having an intermediate portion extending between said endportions and of a reduced width substantially less than the width ofsaid neck portion whereby substantial flexure of said strip elements isrequired to move said neck portion between said end portions of saidslot.

7. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folder made of flexible material andcomprising a plurality of relatively foldable panels, I

and at least one loop forming stri formed integrally with one edge ofone of said panels and foldable against and away from such panel,

each strip having an inner portion formed with a fastener opening,

each strip having a tip portion receivable in said fastener opening toretain said strip in a key retaining loop.

8. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folding case member and a plurality of loopstrips,

said case consisting of a single continuous piece of flexible material,

said material being readily foldable at a thin section,

said folding case member comprising two trays foldably joined together,

said trays having mutually engageable detent means for holding said casemember closed,

some of said loop strips being foldably joined to each tray,

each of said strips having a notched tip,

each of said strips having an opening therein located away from the tip,

said opening being formed to receive and retain said tip.

9. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folding case member and a looping strip,

said case consisting of one continuous piece of flexible material,

said material being readily foldable at a thin section,

said folding case member comprising a tray and a cover foldably joinedtogether,

said strip being foldably joined to an edge of said foldable casemember,

said strip having a notched tip,

said strip having an opening therein remote from the said opening beingformed to receive and retain said tip.

10. In a one piece key case made of flexible material,

the combination comprising a plurality of relatively foldable panels anda plurality of loop forming strips integrally hinged to said panels,

each of said strips :being hinged by two side by side integrally formedhinges,

each strip having an inner portion formed with a fastener opening,

each strip having a formed'tip portion receivable in said fasteneropening to retain said strip in a key retaining loop.

11. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folding case member formed in a singlecontinuous piece and including a tray and a cover swingable against saidtray,

said folding case member including a thin flexible hinge memberextending between said cover and said tray and formed integrallytherewith,

at least one key retaining loop connected to said tray and swingableinto and out of said tray,

and a coin pocket formed integrally with said tray for holding coins orthe like,

said pocket comprising a panel swingable toward and away from said tray,

a thin flexible hinge portion extending between said panel and said trayand formed integrally therewith,

and means for holding said panel adjacent said tray for the reception ofcoins therebetween.

12. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folding case member formed in a singlecontinuous piece and including a tray and a cover swingable against saidtray,

said folding case member including a thin flexible hinge memberextending between said cover and said tray and formed integrallytherewith,

at least one key retaining loop connected to said tray and swingableinto and out of said tray,

and a coin pocket formed integrally with said tray for holding coins orthe like,

said pocket comprising a panel swingable toward and away from said tray,

a thin flexible hinge portion extending between said panel and said trayand formed integrally therewith,

and cooperative latching elements on said panel and said tray forreleasably holding said panel adjacent said tray for the reception ofcoins therebetween.

13. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folding case member formed in a singlecontinuous piece and including a tray and a cover swingable against saidtray,

said folding case member including a thin flexible hinge memberextending between said cover and said tray and formed integrallytherewith,

at least one key retaining loop connected to said tray and swingableinto and out of said tray,

and a coin pocket formed integrally with said tray for holding coins orthe like,

said pocket comprising a panel swingable toward and away from said tray,

a thin flexible hinge portion extending between said panel and said trayand formed integrally therewith,

and cooperative latching elements on said panel and said tray forreleasably holding said panel adjacent said tray for the reception ofcoins therebetween,

said panel having on outer edge portion with a rib extending therealongand projecting toward said tray,

said rib stiffening said panel and being effective to retain coinsbetween said panel and said tray.

14. The combination according to claim 13,

in whichsaid latching elements comprise latching projections on saidpanel adjacent the ends of said rib,

and latch openings on said tray for releasably receiving said latchingprojections.

15. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folding case member including a pair oftrays swingable toward and away from each other, at least one loopforming strip formed integrally with one of said trays and foldableagainst and away from said tray,

said strip being foldable into a loop and having disengageable fastenerelements for retaining said strip in said loop,

and a thin flexible hinge portion extending between said trays andformed integrally therewith,

said trays, strip and hinge portion being formed in a single continuouspiece of flexible material,

said trays having opposite side panels and border flanges extendingtoward each other,

said border flanges being formed with recesses adjacent said hingeportion so that said hinge when folded will fall within the outline ofsaid case.

16. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folding case member including arpair oftrays swingable toward and away [from each other, at least one loopforming strip formed integrally with one of said trays and foldabieagainst and away from said tray,

said strip :being foldable into a loop and having disengageable fastenerelements for retaining said strip in said loop,

and a thin flexiblehinge portion extending between said trays and formedintegrally therewith,

said trays, strip and hinge portion being formed in a single continuouspiece of flexible material,

said trays having opposite side panels and border flanges extendingtoward each other,

the border flange of at least one of said trays having a recess thereinadjacent said loop forming strip to provide a passage from said stripwhen said trays are closed.

17. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folding case member including a pair oftrays swingable toward and away from each other,

at least one loop forming strip formed integrally with one of said traysand foldable against and away from said tray,

said strip being foldable into a loop and having disengageable fastenerelements for retaining said strip in said loop,

and a thin flexible hinge portion extending between said trays andformed integrally therewith,

said trays, strip and hinge portion being formed in a single continuouspiece of flexible material,

said trays having opposite side panels and border flanges extendingtoward each other,

said trays having cooperative latching elements thereon for releasablyholding said trays together in a closed position,

said latching elements comprising a latch projection on one of saidtrays and a latch opening on the other tray for releasably receivingsaid latch projection.

18. In a key case,

the combination comprising a folding case member including a pair oftrays swingable toward and away from each other,

at least one loop forming strip formed integrally with one of said traysand foldable against and away from said tray,

said strip being foldable into a loop and having disengagea-ble fastenerelements for retaining said strip in said loop,

and a thin flexible hinge portion extending between said trays andformed integrally therewith,

said trays, strip and hinge portion being formed in a single continuouspiece of flexible material,

said trays having opposite side panels and border flanges extendingtoward each other,

the side panel of at least one of said trays having a central memberwith a convoluted bellows portion to provide for expansion of thecorresponding tray.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,717,621 9/1955Martin et al 15040 2,924,088 I 2/1960 Goldman 458 2,964,937 12/ 1960Lautin 70458 XR 3,130,462 4/ 1964 Mitchell 24-16 3,255,501 6/1966Laguerre 24-16 FRANKLIN T. GARRETT, Primary Examiner.

1. A KEY POUCH, COMPRISING A FOLDER MADE OF FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL,SAID FOLDER HAVING A CENTRAL PANEL AND TWO SIDE PANELS FORMED INTEGRALLYWITH SAID CENTRAL PANEL AND CONNECTED TO OPPOSITE SIDE EDGES THEREOF,SAID SIDE PANELS BEING FOLDABLE OVER SAID CENTRAL PANEL IN OVERLAPPINGRELATION, AND A PLURALITY OF KEY RETAINING LOOPS FORMED INTEGRALLY WITHSAID CENTRAL PANEL AND CONNECTED TO THE UPPER EDGE THEREOF. EACH OF SAIDLOOPS HAVING A HINGE PORTION OF REDUCED THICKNESS CONNECTED INTEGRALLYTO SAID CENTRAL PANEL, SAID HINGE PORTION BEING READILY FLEXIBLE WHEREBYSAID LOOP IS READILY SWINGABLE AGAINST AND AWAY FROM SAID CENTRAL PANEL,EACH LOOP COMPRISING A STRIP HAVING AN INNER PORTION ADJACENT SAID HINGEPORTION AND AN OUTER END PORTION AT THE END OF SAID STRIP REMOTE FROMSAID HINGE PORTION, AND A PAIR OF COOPERATIVE FASTENING ELEMENTS ON SAIDINNER AND OUTER END PORTIONS OF SAID LOOP FOR DISENGAGEABLY CONNECTINGSAID OUTER PORTION TO SAID INNER PORTION FOR RETAINING A KEY OR THE LIKEON SAID LOOP.